Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Overview :

In this disease, also called alveolar proteinosis or phospholipidosis, gas exchange in the lungs is progressively impaired by the accumulation of phospholipids, compounds widely found in other living cells of the body. The alveoli are filled with this substance that renders them less effective in protecting the lung. This may explain why infections are often associated with the disease.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis most commonly affects people ages 20-50, although it has been reported in children and the elderly. The incidence is 5 out of every 1 million people. The disease is more common among males.